Matthews might be a nice catch

USD star seeking chance in NFL

“I just want to get things moving,” said the most decorated wide receiver in USD history. “I don't care where I end up. I just want a chance to play and show what I can do.”

Whether Matthews is selected in this weekend's NFL Draft or signs as a free agent remains to be seen. His agent, Jack Bechta, says it's 50-50 if Matthews gets picked in the seven-round draft, but at least one expert has him off the board.

“I haven't spoken to teams that have shown a draftable interest,” said Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly. “The really good NFL teams, they make their living drafting from Round 8 on. A lot of teams still find a lot of great talent. Look at what San Diego did in 2003. They came away with three pro bowl players in Antonio Gates, Kris Dielman and Kassim Osgood. All undrafted free agents. I'm not sure anyone has matched that feat.”

But Matthews isn't put off by the prophecy. He's confident his résumé speaks for itself: FCS first-team All-American, Walter Payton Award finalist, Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Year. And with a slew of USD receiving records to his credit, Matthews said he'll open some eyes.

“I feel confident once I end up in a camp that I'll surprise people and exceed people's expectations,” he said. “I think I can be a guy who can show up and latch on to things quickly. I feel like I'm pretty well-versed in the pro-style offense and I adapt well and learn things pretty well on the fly.”

Should Matthews go undrafted, there are about a dozen teams, according to Bechta, that are interested in him as a free agent. The 6-foot, 200-pound Matthews has taken trips to Seattle and Indianapolis and has also worked out for the Chargers.

Last year the Chargers signed USD defensive end Eric Bakhtiari as a free agent. He was cut at the end of training camp but spent time on the practice squads of the Chargers and 49ers before re-signing with the Chargers this winter. Bechta, who also represents Bakhtiari, said the Chargers will get the same treatment as any other team.

“I know (Director of College Scouting) John Spanos and (General Manager) A.J. Smith and the receivers coach have done their homework on him,” Bechta said. “They are a believer in him. I know that. They will most likely be on the short list anyway, depending on what they do in the draft. If they draft a few receivers, they will move down on our board just like any other team. My job is to send John to the team where he has the best opportunity. And just because he can drive to the facility doesn't mean a thing.”

Matthews' numbers this season were as good as any receiver in the country. He caught 102 balls for 1,478 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Toreros update

USD is in the final week of spring football. All practices this week are open to the public before the team breaks camp Saturday with an intrasquad scrimmage. For details, go to usdtoreros.com.